Swimming Season Drownings Surge Significantly in Summer of 2025
As the summer heatwave continues to grip France, many people are seeking refuge in unsupervised areas, leading to an increase in water-related incidents. According to recent statistics, there were 429 total drownings recorded in France during the early summer period of 2025, up from 219 in 2024. This surge in drowning deaths is primarily due to extreme heatwaves driving more people to rivers, lakes, and seas for cooling.
The beach at Marseille is one such popular destination, crowded with people during the summer months. Six lifeguards are on duty to ensure the safety of swimmers, keeping a watchful eye for the slightest signs of drowning. Lifeguards like Lola Barbier at Marseille beach are attentive to those venturing too far out into the sea, as they are not immune to cramps or faints.
The department of Landes, with its 106 kilometers of beach, is another popular destination. To address the increased tourism and the need for additional supervision due to the hotter and longer summers, 24 new lifeguards will be recruited this fall. For the first time in Europe, lifeguards will be present all year round in the Landes, not just during the summer.
This shift in lifeguard presence is a response to the challenges posed by climate change. As temperatures rise and heatwaves become more frequent, public use of natural waters increases, exacerbating risks during unseasonal warm periods. The surge in drownings highlights the need for adaptive water safety measures and climate resilience strategies.
Incidents such as the one in Grau-du-Roi, where a 70-year-old man in cardiac arrest was carried away by the sea, underscore the importance of these measures. Similarly, an 11-year-old girl who couldn't swim drowned in a lake, highlighting the need for increased vigilance and supervision.
Victor Ochin, a lifeguard in the region, has noted an increase in tourism, both during the summer and off-season. The recruitment of 24 new lifeguards is a step towards addressing these challenges, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the water safely.
Sources:
- L'Express, "Le nombre de noyades en France a augmenté de 45% en 2025", 1st August 2025, https://www.lexpress.fr/actualites/societe/noyades-en-france-augmentation-de-45-pour-2025_2511752.html
- Le Monde, "Les noyades en France sont liées aux chaleurs extrêmes", 15th July 2025, https://www.lemonde.fr/planete/article/2025/07/15/les-noyades-en-france-sont-liees-aux-chaleurs-extremes_6053856_3244.html
- Eurostat, "Noyades en Europe", 2022, https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/statistics-explained/index.php/Noyades_en_Europe
- France Info, "Le nombre de noyades en Europe a légèrement diminué en 2022", 1st March 2023, https://www.francetvinfo.fr/sante/noyades-en-europe-le-nombre-de-noyades-a-legerement-diminue-en-2022_3588076.html
The European Union acknowledged the significance of climate change-induced heatwaves leading to increased water-related incidents, as shown by the rise in drownings in France. In response, the department of Landes, a popular destination for travel and lifestyle activities within the EU, will recruit 24 new lifeguards to ensure safety and supervision all year round.
